Do I have ARFID?

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What is ARFID?

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder resembles other eating disorders in that someone with this condition will avoid eating foods or severely restrict their diet. But unlike anorexia nervosa or other restrictive disorders, ARFID has nothing to do with poor body image or a fear of gaining weight.

Instead, those with ARFID show a general lack of interest in eating or a fear of food. This is often connected to sensory aspects of food, including its color, smell, and texture. Food-based anxiety can also be tied to fears that one will choke or throw up after eating.^1,6

As a result of these feeding or eating disturbances, someone may have physical symptoms and outcomes similar to those of anorexia nervosa (AN). But again, with ARFID, the disordered eating behaviors do not have to do with body shape or size or a fear of gaining weight.

ARFID vs. "picky eating"

It can be difficult to tell the difference between ARFID and more routine picky eating, especially because both conditions generally first appear in early childhood.⁸ But, especially over time, some distinctions between the two can be noticed.

Picky eating is a normal part of human adaptation. Children require different amounts of energy during different phases of growth, with a slow-down around age 5 often corresponding to less food consumption overall. Factors like parental feeding techniques, attention-seeking behavior, and modeled food preferences may also play a role.⁹

ARFID also commonly co-occurs alongside other mental health conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a number of anxiety disorders.⁸ And while picky eating behavior often goes away after time, behaviors related to ARFID will remain severe, and significantly interfere with someone's mental and physical health.

Symptoms of ARFID

Another good way to distinguish ARFID-related eating habits from picky eating is to learn more about the signs and symptoms of ARFID.

Someone with ARFID may also have stunted growth if the disorder appears during childhood, if they have prominent weight loss, or if they develop nutritional deficiencies. ARFID can likewise interfere with socialization—people who struggle with this condition may avoid eating in public or with others. And in extreme cases, those with ARFID may require a feeding tube to supplement nutrition.^1,2

If you or a loved one are exhibiting these symptoms alongside excessively picky eating, it's important to consult a licensed mental health professional immediately.

Do I have ARFID quiz

If you feel you may have ARFID or any eating disorder, it is recommended that you speak with a doctor promptly. 

Having one or more of the symptoms in this "Do I have ARFID test" could indicate the presence of an eating disorder or another physical or mental health condition that may need attention from a professional.^1,2,3,4,5,6

Other signs of ARFID:

• Muscle loss
• Absent or irregular menstrual cycles
• A slow heart rate and other life-threatening heart rhythm problems
• Hair loss and dry skin
• Low blood pressure
• Swelling in the legs
• Abnormal kidney function
• Anemia/low blood counts
• Electrolyte disturbances
• Low blood sugar
• An underactive thyroid
• Bone density loss

If you or a loved one are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it's time to contact a medical professional for further help.